We have reservations for both but we can only choose one and need help deciding!
We’re tourists from San Francisco and were wondering which one to go to as both look really good.
We’re considering both value and uniqueness of experience. Which one would you choose?
Posted Jul 30, 2023, 4:14 PM UTC
Short Answer: Beba.
Long Answer:
I haven’t been to Beba yet, so I can’t claim any hands-on experience for sure.
From a critical POV, Beba is currently trendier and rates high on Canada’s 100 Best (8th in Canada and 2nd best in Québec iirc), whereas Damas peaked at 37 some years ago and now isn’t new enough to stay I guess.
The Syrian food at Damas was some of the best Levantine food I’ve ever had. However, at the time, I didn’t feel like dishes were that original. Might be explained by ignorance tho. I became part of team muhammara as the best dip in the world when I tried theirs. The cocktails were phenomenal and the wine program should be strong. Their somm started a line of négoce natty wines called Lieux Communs with three friends that has seen some local success. They now ferment in Montréal I believe. I’m not sure if he still works there. Their product line of piquettes and wine-cider hybrids are sometimes… unbalanced, even by natty wine standards. I feel like their malolactic tuning or lack thereof messes with my enjoyment of their products. Still, could be fun to try if you end up picking Damas.
As for Beba’s cuisine, I don’t know many Jewish-Italian-Spanish via Argentina restaurants and I love trying new things (for me).
Very tough choice but I would pick Damas. They are both excellent but the smaller menu at Beba can make it a challenge. The fish at Damas is excellent btw.
Damas all day! Although I might be slightly bias seeing as I’ve never been to Beba 😜
You won’t be disappointed at Damas, go all out and get the tasting menu you won’t regret it.
I would go Beba for the overall experience if it was my choice. Both have a great track record.
We ended up going to Beba since we had eaten a lot earlier in the day. It ended up being one of our favorite restaurants this trip. Thanks for all the advice everyone!
They both get pricey but it does depend on how much you order.
It depends on what cuisine you prefer and have or don't have great access to.
Personally, I find Damas a little more unique in terms of very high end Syrian/ Middle Eastern... But maybe you live in Philly and can go to Zahav! I find the mezzes and apps are the stars more than the mains
Both are excellent.
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